Pages

Friday, July 31, 2015

Happy Friday, I hope you have enjoyed the month of prompts. The August Daily Writing Warm-Up Challenge begins Monday with a new prompt ready at 6am. If you've enjoyed the prompts sign-up for the challenge and let other writers and aspiring writers know about it.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Use the picture below to inspire your warm-up writing. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write. Tell the story of what is happening in the image. Or use it to inspire a new story. For an added challenge try and write it as a short story in 1000 words.

The second Daily Writing Warm-Up Challenge is wrapping up. I am still having fun creating prompts so the challenge is returning for August. Also, my writing this month was not successful; I need a second chance to redeem myself.

How The Challenge Works:
For those new to the monthly challenge, there will be a new writing prompt posted every Monday to Friday at 6am starting August 3rd. The goal of the challenge is to help developed or improve a regular a daily writing habit. These prompts are intended to be a start to a writing session, similar to a musician practicing scales.

There are no prompts for Saturday or Sunday. These can be breaks or a chance to catch up prompts missed during the week.

How To Participate:1. Choose a Goal
The overall purpose of this challenge is to improve daily writing habits. The levels are there to challenge you to write more often then you currently are.

2. Sign Up
Signing up isn't necessary but it is helpful. Having others know you are participating in the challenge, even if it is strangers, helps keep you motived to keep your commitment. To sign-up leave a comment below along with your challenge level. You can sign up from now till July 10th.

3. Write
There will be a new prompt every day in June. Use them as your warm-up writing exercise to meet your goal.

4. Share
On days you use the prompt, leave a comment sharing your success. It can be as simple as "I did it." Or you can share your track record 5 out of 20 accomplished. If you have a blog where you share writing leave a link to the corresponding results.

My Goal:
I am trying for the silver level, I was too ambushes last month with too many new commitments. I will try for gold again in September.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

This past weekend some of my writing group got together for a hike. It was quiet the wilderness adventure. Duane commented, after we had to create our trail, that "this gives a new appreciation for the early settlers had to do to get anywhere."

That comment and adventure is today's inspiration. Spend ten minutes describing a "new world." You could write about the "new world" settlers found or make it personal to your characters. It could be a new location for your characters, for example a new town, school, or job. Or maybe you enjoy creating your own worlds, that works too. Have fun!

Monday, July 27, 2015

Welcome to the last week of the July prompts. If you've enjoyed it consider signing up for the August Daily Writing Warm-Up Challenge and share the prompts with anyone you think would be interested.What If...
Time: 10 min

Today's situation special dinner out.

What if your main character is stood up?
What if he is taken to the wrong table/mistaken for some else?
What if she is refused service for being underdressed?
What if...

Today's prompt is using cards from Once Upon A Time, a storytelling game, to write a short fairy-tale. I will give you seven cards to use. The first five are "once upon a time" cards and must be included as you weave your tale. The last two are "happily ever after" cards that will be the last line of you story; choose the one that works the best. Spend at least ten minutes working on your fairy-tale.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

A married couple begin fighting in park. They have started yelling mean hurtful things. The argument has effected the whole park. Suddenly a stranger walks up to them and gives them each a card and walks away. Spend ten minutes writing what happened next.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Outside my window... so many moths banging against the glass trying to get close to the light.

I am thinking... it is time for bed.

I am thankful... tea invitations.

I am wearing... my pjs.

I am creating... cards and so many movie reviews.

﻿

I am reading...Buried in a Book, Kid President's Guide to being Awesome, the fourth book in the Cedar River Daydreams.

I am learning... how to be a better storyteller and make voices.

I am watching... Step Up 2

I want to cosplay (someday) as.... Astrid Hofferson from How to Train Your Dragon.

I am geeking out... Community, thanks to Mollie for introducing me "six seasons and a movie".

I am playing... DC Deck-Building game, I picked up the Arrow crossover last week.

One of my favorite things... seen plays especially when the stars are children.

In my kitchen....I tried this new tea soda today:

﻿

A few plans for the rest of the week:... there are four movie reviews in the works, games day tomorrow, card day Wednesday followed by more games, and Friday I am leading my first ever rpg.

A few pictures to share... from Everest VBS. The decorating crew did a phenomenal job. Words can not even begin to express the creativity or hours they poured into every detail. I love showing off their hard work. I had so much everyday being the week's storyteller.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Happy Friday, I hope you have enjoyed the third week of prompts. There will be another prompt on Monday at 6am. Till then enjoy the weekend or use Saturday and Sunday to catch up on days you've missed. For more information about the writing challenge visit the introduction post July Daily Writing Warm-Up Challenge.Five Things
Time: 10 min

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Use the picture below to inspire your warm-up writing. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write. Tell the story of what is happening in the image. Or use it to inspire a new story. For an added challenge try and write it as a short story in 1000 words.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Yesterday I was at a BBQ for my writing. The host's backyard garden was beautiful with flower sections, a pond in the middle, a shed made out of wood and pieces rescued from a 200 year old barn. There were chairs to sit and places to walk. I wanted to stay there forever.

It got me thinking about how critical beauty and restful places can be to a story. Which has intern inspired today's description prompt. Take 10 minutes to describe a garden. It could be an oasis from the urban jungle, a cozy cottage backyard, a tranquil Asian setting, or even a playful fairy garden. Have fun!

I am thinking... about story ideas and characters and how to make a goblin voice.

I am thankful... friends who help with driving when my car is broken

I am wearing... my pjs

I am creating... stories for VBS this week. Today's story was God providing for Elijah. This is my room.

﻿

I am reading...Tigerhearted, Buried in a Book, Kid President's Guide to being Awesome, and Jennifer's Secret. It is the third book in the Cedar River Daydreams, which was a Sweet Valley-esque Christian series that I read in Jr high that am borrow from a friend. It's a great blast from the past.

I am learning... sandals are not the best footwear for hiking. In my defense, we weren't planning to hike at the start of the adventure.

I am watching... Step Up

I want to cosplay (someday) as.... Nausicaa.

I am geeking out... on story telling and writing.

I am playing... so many games, this past Saturday was my monthly game day. There were so many great games but I was most excited to play Thurn and Taxis.

One of my favorite things... awesome garden backyard.

In my kitchen...I tried something new.

﻿

A few plans for the rest of the week:... I'm story telling at Everest VBS and Wednesday is going to be a big movie event with friends.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Happy Friday, I hope you have enjoyed the second week of prompts. There will be another prompt on Monday at 6am. Till then enjoy the weekend or use Saturday and Sunday to catch up on days you've missed. For full details or to sign-up for the challenge visit the introduction post July Daily Writing Warm-Up Challenge.

Once Upon A Time
Time: 10 to 20 min

Today's prompt is using cards from Once Upon A Time, a storytelling game, to write a short fairy-tale. I will give you seven cards to use. The first five are "once upon a time" cards and must be included as you weave your tale. The last two are "happily ever after" cards that will be the last line of you story; choose the one that works the best. Spend at least ten minutes working on your fairy-tale.

Wednesday, July 08, 2015

A group of five people are planning a camping trip. The car is all packed when someone realizes they forgot to buy ice. As they are driving looking for a convent store that sells ice their car begins to float. Spend ten minutes writing what happened next.

Monday, July 06, 2015

It is here at last! The new birthday bucket list challenge is ready to share. It has only taken 70 days.

I haven't always called these challenges "birthday-bucket-list-challenge." They started just as birthday challenges, but the new name sums up the purpose. I created the first list, 25 While 25, because I was noticing that I was getting caught up in daily routines. I had dreams but I was planning to do them "someday" without any plans to make someday happen. I decided I wanted to do things that Past-Liz and Future-Liz could both be proud of. The goals I set were there to help me be the type of person I hope to be, realize my dreams, and keep the love of life alive.
This year's list has been the most challenging to create. The goals are more abstract and introspective, which is why I've added description. I am anticipating the next months are going to be very interesting and probably filled with a mix of joys and set backs. I look forward to the adventures ahead and meeting the Liz I will be on my next birthday.

This is the list:1) Choose a "My One Word"
I found the process of choosing a word and the year journey with my word useful and something I want to repeat this year. The idea of the movement (project) is that by choosing a word to focus your year around and making it a lens to see the world through, it can change your life.

2) Read the whole Bible
This is a clear goal, it has been a while since I've made it all the way through the Bible. I read about 16 books last year, some more than once. My goal is the whole Bible using a One Year Bible reading plan. I will be happy if I read as many, or more, of the Scriptures that I did last year.

3) Paint the canvas
This is a familiar challenge. I bought this canvas for my 30th birthday. My intent had been to add something every month. It didn't happen. It is going to happen... someday. My goal is that it will happen some time this year.

4) Go on a spiritual retreat
I've already accomplished this one. Early in May I attended Mark East, an annual retreat put on by Intervarsity. It was amazing and exactly what I needed at the time.

5) Fill a journal
I enjoy writing. I especially enjoy journaling. I find it helps me process, think, and especially pray. In the past it has been a key tool in my spiritual development. In college, and while living abroad, filling a journal was a regular occurrence. Lately journaling hasn't been a priority; I want to change that. I don't think a filled journal will magically fix my habits but it is a start.

6) Take a course
We hear lots of things about the importance of being a continual learner. I like the idea, which is where the idea of this challenge came from. I know there are more ways to learn, but I also know me and taking a course is one way to achieve this goal. The best part is, a friend registered me for a 14 module writing course, which I am enjoying.

7) Write more
This is an abstract goal. How do I measure "more"? What does a win look like? There are two parts to this challenge 1) writing fiction and 2) blogging.

When it comes to fiction, I only seem to write in November. I want to change that which is why I've started the daily writing warm-up challenge. Any month, outside of NaNoWriMo, that I write more than 500 words is a success. I have started work on a novel, if I complete it outside Nano, I think that could also count towards a win.

For the blog, I want to be more active on the site than I was during my 33rd year. That means I need to exceed 115 posts. So far I am off to a good start.

8) Read more
Another abstract post. I think a victory would be two-fold. Part one is completing at least two thirds of the reading challenges I have signed up for in 2015. Part two would be signing up for at least 15 challenges in 2016.

9) Dance more
This is inspired by Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome. There just needs to be more dancing in my life. I am going to work on my happy dance, dance in public, and if I have opportunities to actually learn to dance, try it.10) Draw (almost) weekly
Starting next week the Wednesday weekly sketches will be back. My specific goal will to have 35 sketches throughout the next year.

11) Be thankful
Normally, this means writing the weekly Thankful Thursday posts. This challenge will include writing a minimum of 35 weekly thankful posts but I want to add giving thank you cards. I don't have a specific way to track this goal. I want to be a person who acknowledges what others have done and who says thank you. Setting a number goal doesn't seem useful. If I surpass the number, it is not like I am going to stop being thankful. Does anyone have any suggestions?

12) Make 500 cards
This might be a bit optimistic but possibly doable. I considered making the goal 1000 but a friend pointed out that if I did try to make 1000 cards that would be the sole goal accomplished this year - and that would be no bueno. Even 250 will be better than nothing. Either way, card making will happen this year.

13) Do something I've been putting off
I'm a procrastinator; there are always things that I've been putting off that need to be done, like laundry or dishes. For this challenge I am thinking about the big tasks that I've been putting off for years.

14) Experience Summer
Since graduating from college I often feel like I miss summer. But not this year. This year the goal is to enjoy summer as much as possible. I am hoping to hike, visit the beach, have a bonfire, swim, maybe camp, canoe, or even sleep under the stars.

15) Learn to cook five dishes
This challenge began as "learn to make a poached egg". Then I added hollandaise sauce as a separate goal, then more dishes were added till half of the 35 goals were food-related. I've pared the cooking list down and complied it into one goal. I want to learn to make Eggs Benedict, risotto, a fish dish, a dish with egg plant (that I enjoy), and something I've never tried.

16) Cosplay with my sister (at Hal-Con)
My sister and I have been talking about cosplaying together since December. In February I shared some of our top character/costume ideas. We've narrowed the ideas down to three sets, one for each day of Hal-Con. Now we just need to make the costumes and attend the event.

17) Know 1000 Spanish words
For the past 105 days I have been learning Spanish with Duolingo. As of this moment I've learned 353 words. My goal is to learn and remember 1000 in total by my next birthday. That said, I've only been able to practice the reading, writing and listening. I probably won't be able to correctly pronounce most of the 1000.

18) Finish four children stories
Ten years ago I made up three stories about a polar bear name Pogo for my sister. I have started to write them down, but haven't finished. The other story was one my mom wrote in college that she has given to me to finish and tweak to send off to an agent. This is a separate goal from "write more" because it is about editing more than actual writing.

19) Send a completed work to an agent or publisher
Between the "write more" and "finish stories" goals I should have something completed this year. I have in the past just shelved away completed works. This year I am going to take a risk and send out something to see what agents/editors think. I am expecting (based on many other authors experiences) that this could be a year of much rejection.

20) Go to the symphony
This one is simple, I plan to hear good music played by an orchestra. There is even a plan in place to meet this goal in November.

21) Send mail
I love receiving mail. I think others do too. So I want to cultivate a habit of sending letters, notes, and cards to people this year. I am going to try for a 10-mail minimum.

22) Swim in the ocean
I might chicken out on this, the Atlantic ocean is the closest ocean to me and it is cold but it is a bucket list challenge I want to attempt.

23) Visit a provincial or national park
I have so many fun childhood memories that happened in provincial and national parks. Younger me would be so disappointed in how little time I spend in parks these days. This is another thing I would like to change this year.

24) Find My Style
I've renamed this challenge a few times. It is one of the hardest to explain, I want to intentionally consider my wardrobe, fashion sense, hairstyles, and make-up. Some of the first ideas was a wardrobe capsule, another was get a new hair style (cut and/or dye), the last was wear make-up. For awhile I called it the "be girlie" challenge.

I have style, in that I wear clothes and therefore it is a style in the same way eating is a diet. What I do not have is a constant defined style. If I had a formal event next week I have no clue what to do with my hair and make up. If I had a causal event that I wanted to show a little more effort for I also would have little idea what to do. While working on this list I discovered "Disney Bounding" and 'Everyday or Casual Cosplay." Both fashion ideas got me thinking about what it means to have style.

By the end of this year I want to have at least two everyday casual cosplay outfits, I want to shop for clothes with more direction than "I need pants" and I am going to try new hair styles and learn about make up. Through all that I hope to mash my girlie side with my geeky side, and my desire for comfort with my love of dressing up all in an attempt to define myself and my style.

25) Be healthy
This is another of my abstract goals, like the challenge above it started as a number of smaller challenges. These goals were things like have a regular sleep pattern, take walks or exercise more, and eat better. All of these things would be good for me. My hope is that over the year I develop healthy habits to help balance my life. I am going to be looking at how to be active, how I deal with stress, what and when I eat, and discovering an ideal weight.

26) Be a vegetarian for 30 days
Simple enough. Avoid meat for 30 days. I'll still eat dairy and eggs. The other exception I am allowing myself is meals when I am a guest. My 30 day vegetarianism will not effect those who have graciously offered to feed me. This goal is inspired by my vegan friend Jessica. Hi Jess! *waves*

27) Host a party
I enjoy having people over. Sadly, at the moment my place isn't in a state in which I would be comfortable to have people visiting. The biggest challenge of this goal will be making my apartment people worthy. The next is deciding on the type of party. It could be a dinner party, themed night, murder mystery, or Christmas open house. I have so many theme ideas like Harry Potter, country, costume, or Disney. It is going to be hard to decide.

28) Let someone know how much they mean to me
I often tell my friends and family I appreciate them. I believe telling people you love them is important. This challenge won't change that. How this goal is different is it is challenging me to show people in ways beyond words that I appreciate them. This goal was inspired by The Five Love Languages and The Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome.

29) Keep a plant alive
Some people have green thumbs. I do not. I kill things that are green. Any plant I have had has died. I did keep a plant alive in high school (my mom might have secretly watered it) and a non-desert plant alive in college. I also kept a house-warming-gift-plant alive for just over two years. It died this winter because it got too cold close to the window.

My friend Jenn has given me a tomato plant. It already has little green tomatoes growing on it. I've been told all I have to do is water it daily unless it rains. I've been told I only have to keep it alive till all the tomatoes are ripened and harvested.

This is my tomato plant; his name is Hank.﻿

30) Try something new
The first draft of these goals had many things I would like to try once in my life. These were activities like kayaking, skydiving, and dog sledding (which I learned actually exists only three hours away). There were also experiences I would like to have - for example seeing the Northern Lights. The motivation for all of these goals is another attempt to be a life-long learner. I am not sure where my life is going to take me this year or what new things I'll be able to afford (experiences can be expensive) so I reworked all those great experiences into one open challenge. I am going to be doing something new that I have never done before. I am looking forward to discovering what that challenge will be.

31) Vlog
For those unfamiliar with the term, vlogs are video blogs. Not something I ever thought about trying until a recent conversation with Ross. I was telling him how much I enjoy his PSA vlogs. As the conversation continued he asked me when I was going to make a vlog. I think I said "we'll see" but it got me thinking.... why don't I try something like a vlog? I have a few ideas percolating so at some point I shall make some type of video.

32) Surprise someone in a way they will appreciate
This is another goal inspired by a conversation with Ross. We were talking about how we both like surprises but not everyone does. When surprising someone it is important to make the good something a surprise the other person can actually appreciate.

33) Have an adventure with my family
I love adventures. I love my family. I love adventures with my family.

34) Celebrate someone's birthday by celebrating others
This goal comes straight from Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome, step 25 to be exact. I highly recommend reading the book. It has been helpful in the refining of these 35 challenges. The best part was that I read step 25 a few days before my sister's 15th birthday and thought the idea would be a perfect way to celebrate her birth with others. With the help of many people Operation Cupcake was a huge success!

35) Take a risk
Last year I put myself out there, took a risk, and was horribly crushed by the results. It is tempting to hide and not make any dangerous decisions. I also recognize that trying to avoid risky situations is no way to live. My challenge is to put myself out there in some way this year. I am not sure what the risk will be - it could be something that scares me like driving in a new city, or silly like letting a friend set me up on a blind date. It might be doing one of the above challenges such as sending my writing to an agent but I expect it will be a risk I haven't even thought of.

So that's the list, the 35 things I plan to do before my 35th birthday. That gives me 296 days or 9 months and 21 days to complete it.

I am creating... stuff. I never know how to answer this one. There are so many works in progress. Mostly stories, I am creating fiction.

I am reading...Tigerhearted, Buried in a Book, and Kid President's Guide to being Awesome.

I am learning... sandals are not the best footwear for hiking. In my defense, we weren't planning to hike at the start of the adventure.

I am watching... Community and Killjoys on the weekend. With Netflix I had almost forgotten what it was like having to wait for a new episode each week.

I want to cosplay (someday) as.... Arrietty from The Secret World of Arrietty.

I am geeking out... on Hal-Con. It is still 115 days away but someone was asking me about my costume plans.

I am playing... Coup and the DC Deck-Building game, a friend got the Forever Evil version which is very fun.

One of my favorite things... adventures.

In my kitchen...I made a yummy rice mushroom dish that I enjoyed

A few plans for the rest of the week:... my big plans happened yesterday and today. I went tubing with friends yesterday which was a blast. Today we went to Halls Harbour, there was dancing with a lobster, then searching for a waterfall in the middle of nowhere.